NAMIBIAN PRESIDENT CALLS FOR SUPPORT AS HE TAKES UP CHAIR OF SADC

WINDHOEK-- President Hage Geingob has called on Namibians and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) member countries in general to support him as he takes up the rotational chairmanship of the sub-regional bloc.

Namibia is hosting the 38th Ordinary Summit of SADC Heads of State and Government of SADC here on Friday and Saturday and by convention takes over as chair of the grouping from South Africa, which hosted last year's summit.

"You have to support me during my tenure as SADC Chairperson in our bid to deepen regional economic integration," Geingob said in an interview with Nampa at State House on Monday. He called on Namibians to showcase Namibia and its infrastructure, such as roads and health facilities, among others, during the summit.

"We are going to have a chance to host the SADC Summit and the delegates are all looking forward to learn from us on how we do things in Namibia," he said, while also calling on businesses, including small and medium enterprises (SMEs), to showcase their products to the community during the event. The SADC comprises 16 countries and is home to more than 300 million people.

"Namibians, it is your chance to come and show your culture, your hospitality and smiling faces. Take the visitors also for Kapana (grilled beef), they will like it," Geingob said.